Switch the Habit to Flick the Habit Sensory

Switch the Habit to Flick the Habit - Sensory Modulation and Smoking Cessation

Why Me l l l I was inspired by Karen, the physiotherapist , who spoke about using sensory modulation in the detox centre she worked in. I have been working with sensory modulation for a number of years but never used it as a tool for smoking cessation. People often say NRT doesn’t work, wanting an easy out. two unsuspecting hard core smokers, who happened to be there for a sensory connection class, wore the brunt of my enthusiasm. Smoking Cessation in Action trial – with Breakfree 2

The Theory – Sensory Modulation Grounded in neuroscientific theory working with vagus nerve, ANS, sympathetic nervous system, fight and flight, all the senses. l Te Pou – Project Soothe In the MH service there has been a big push nation wide to increase the use of sensory modulation which studies have shown to help with the reduction of restraint and seclusion.

What is sensory modulation? l Sensory Modulation is an approach that uses environment, equipment and activities to regulate a persons’ sensory experience and optimise wellbeing. Sutton & Nicholson 2011 (AUT) Citation: Sutton, D. , & Nicholson, E. (2011). Sensory modulation in acute mental health wards: A qualitative study of staff and service user perspectives. Auckland, New Zealand: Te Pou o Te Whakaaro Nui. Using our senses to give deliberate reassuring feedback to our brain.

Te Pou feedback For Sensory Modulation Use in MH: Service Users Experience l Created a sense of safety l Sense of control l Positive associations l ‘grounded’ l Soothed l Aided in distraction from distressing thoughts Sutton and Nicholson 2011 5

Why Sensory Modulation Sensory modulation activities are: l recovery focused l based on patient choice l success oriented. l Items and activities are available to help a patient calm down and avert crisis l the locus of control shifts from staff intervention to personal responsibility for self-regulation. 6

Why Use Sensory Modulation with Smoking Cessation? Over the years we have found sensory modulation groups have been particular successful with our people attending groups for alcohol and drug issues. l Basically it boils down to swapping one self soothing habit for another, which just happens to not have the social and legal consequences. l Giving up smoking is just as much about giving up the physical habits as giving up the addiction. l 7

What it is doing 8

Who who Individuals with trauma histories, mental illnesses, or addictions, or who have developed problematic behaviour patterns, are sometimes unaware of their particular sensory needs or stress responses. Champagne 2003, Cool 1990, Reisman and Blankey 1991 9

Reconnecting with the Senses 1. Sight 2. Sound 3. Smell 4. Taste 5. Touch 6. Vestibular Balance 7. Proprioception Deep pressure (combination of internal and external touch) Oral Motor 10

What senses are smokers using? Smell Taste Visual Touch Proprioception Oral motor – suck, blow, deep breath 11

SMELL SENSATIONS CALMING Soothing scented candles – vanilla, lavender Mild fragrance Scented bath powder Pleasant smell +ve associations ALERTING Candles – lemon, peppermint Strong fragrances Perfume Noxious odour Room fragrance spray -ve associations 12

TASTE CALMING Mild Sweet Lollipops Pleasant Porridge and brown sugar Apple juice Sweet fruits ALERTING Strong or spicy Sour or bitter Lemon drop Strong peppermints Distasteful Chilli Lemonade Pickles 13

VISUAL SENSATIONS CALMING ALERTING Soft colours Natural or dim lighting Serene paintings Pleasant scenery Flickering candle Fish aquarium Bubble lamp Clean and sparsely furnished room Bright colours Modern art Complex visual images Changing patterns of light Video game Messy and cluttered room 14

TOUCH CALMING (DEEP PRESSURE TOUCH) Strong hugs Firm touch on the shoulder Weighted blanket, lap pad, soft toy Squeezing a stress ball Use of hand lotions Neutral warmth ALERTING (LIGHT TOUCH) Tickling Light stroking Prickly or squishy Unfamiliar or unexpected touch Cool room Fiddling with a stress ball Snapping a rubber band on the wrist Use of fidget items 15

PROPRIOCEPTION Proprioceptors provide information about the position and movement of the body, signalling muscle stretch, tension, & joint position. Sense of joint and body movement They are located in the muscles and joints throughout the body and are sensitive to stretching and compression. Oral Motor activities are one of the power houses of SM - strong muscles and strong feedback 16

Proprioception CALMING ALERTING Isometric muscle contraction Movement against resistance Heavy work- digging, sweeping Balance trainer Exercise bands and equipment Medicine and Swiss Ball Stress ball – squeezing Climbing – push-pull activities Hiking Claywork / putty Kneading dough Yoga, Tai chi, Haka Rocking chair, swing seat, hammock Fast movement Jogging Jumping Aerobics 17

Oral Motor 18

High Arousal State Impairs our ability to: l Think clearly l Problem Solve l Make the best decision l Learn l Listen l Reflect and adapt behaviour

Self-Regulation/Self-Soothing l Becoming aware of own sensory preferences and patterns l Learning what works for them And l How to use in everyday life as well as when there is more of a crisis situation 20

Self Regulation Strategies l Often done at a sub-conscious level i. e. rocking; bouncing legs; fiddling with objects etc. l Active self-regulation can yield more or less sensory input l People with active self regulation strategies select and engage in behaviours to control their own sensory experiences 21

What sensory things can you identify you could offer for your clients to use when craving? Thinking particularly around the senses used when smoking. 22

Use with Breakfree Programme l Using Karen Moore’s sensory connection books as a base for the sessions, we are adding activities into the groups at the REd Hub. The plan is that people will make their own sensory kits to help combat the habits of smoking. l Replacing the sensory habits used in smoking with other healthier options. l Alongside NRT 23

Breakfree - Kirsty and Cavell l What’s happening at their other groups. 24

Personal ‘Flick the Habit’ kits l l l l Stress balls Hand nail balm Face sprays Bubble blowing Deep breathing Sucking thickshakes Blowing windmills Fidgets worry beads l l l l Playing wind instruments Sucking ice Chewing gum Wasabi peas Strong peppermints Exercise routine Colouring in 25

Feedback so far My two unsuspecting hard cores are trying different things to stop. They are willing to think about it. This is a major break through. l Using sensory techniques to reduce stress eg weighted blanket, which reduces the craving for a cigarette. l Trying other techniques l 26